Microsoft SQL Server: Remote code execution through heap-based buffer overflow
Summary
A heap-based buffer overflow in Microsoft SQL Server allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute code over the network. The CVSS vector rates the attack complexity as high, so exploitation is not trivial. A successful attack could lead to full database compromise and possible takeover of the host.
Affected
- SQL Server 2017 (GDR): 14.0.0 to before 14.0.2150.2
- SQL Server 2017 CU31 (x64): 14.0.3006.16 to before 14.0.3570.2
- SQL Server 2019 (GDR): 15.0.0 to before 15.0.2210.4
- SQL Server 2019 CU32 (x64): 15.0.4003.23 to before 15.0.4510.2
- SQL Server 2022 (GDR): 16.0.0 to before 16.0.1220.3
- SQL Server 2022 CU27 (x64): 16.0.4003.1 to before 16.0.4315.2
- SQL Server 2025 CU10: 17.0.4006.0 to before 17.0.5045.3
- SQL Server 2025 GDR (x64): 17.0.1050.2 to before 17.0.1155.3
Older versions such as SQL Server 2016 and 2014 are not listed. Their status is unknown.
Fixed in
Per the CVE record, the first fixed builds are:
- 14.0.2150.2 (2017 GDR)
- 14.0.3570.2 (2017 CU31)
- 15.0.2210.4 (2019 GDR)
- 15.0.4510.2 (2019 CU32)
- 16.0.1220.3 (2022 GDR)
- 16.0.4315.2 (2022 CU27)
- 17.0.5045.3 (2025 CU10)
- 17.0.1155.3 (2025 GDR)
Confirm the exact build in the MSRC advisory before deployment.
Workaround
Unknown. No workaround is mentioned in the sources. Apply the vendor fix.
- General measure, not from a source: restrict TCP 1433 and any dynamic ports to required clients only.
Exploitation
- No known exploitation in the wild in the sources reviewed.
- No public proof of concept found.
- CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.
- A CISA KEV listing could not be confirmed. Check the catalog directly.
Our recommendation
- Inventory all SQL Server instances, including those embedded in line-of-business software, and compare their builds with the list above.
- Patch internet-facing and broadly reachable instances first, then the rest in the normal patch cycle.
- Keep SQL Server off public IP addresses and behind a firewall or VPN.
- Verify the build after patching.
Information from Microsoft (Patch Tuesday November 2026)
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Microsoft Security Update Guide: CVE-2026-118106 msrc.microsoft.com
- CVE Record CVE-2026-118106 (CNA: Microsoft) www.cve.org
- CVE-2026-118106 mirror with build list and CVSS temporal vector cve.threatint.com
- Strix.ai affected-build summary CVE-2026-118106 www.strix.ai
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 11 Nov 2026, 01:44.
Original description (NVD)
Heap-based buffer overflow in SQL Server allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
Affected? We can help.
We check whether your systems are affected, install updates and close the gap – continuously with the System Health Checker if you wish.